Catford Library

I attempted a visit to study yesterday. Whilst I appreciate there are ongoing improvement works to Laurence House, these were supposed to be finished last month. Temporary entrance and greeted by three security guards as it is also the thoroughfare to the council offices. Noisy, lots of unaccompanied kids playing computer games, very little study space. No printing or photocopying facilities (although this is supposed to be temporary). I didn't unpack my laptop, just made my way to Lewisham...

As a library very good and library staff super helpful. However since lewisham council have decided to tart up the main entrance some council services seem to be at the desk located within the library and i witnessed on 2 separate visits council staff being quite rude to people in clear distress. one due to being sanctioned by jobcentre in forest hill and sent by them to the library to see an adult social worker. the other for someone who needed advice on emergency housing having been fobbed off from the housing advice down the corridor. Both times caused me to leave the library as i was simply disgusted with the lack of compassion and basic polite decency. I only hope if these people fall on hard times they meet kinder people than themselves. Not a good image for catford library at the moment.

It's nice to have a new facility and Catford desperately needs its own library. However - there are some drawbacks. 1. It's really doesn't seem big enough to serve the local community 2. There is only one loo 3. Said loo doesn't have baby changing (there's room for one so hopefully it's coming).

Great new library opened July 2022

Lovely new library and excellent opening hours

Much appreciated...ideal location,just a bit noisy when the young children come in,worth investing in some noise cancelling headphones

I and my child went to the library because he wanted to be on the computer. Once there, a child came up to my son and used his time, to play on the computer. When my son tried to tell them why they are doing this, they were rude and went to tell the library staff about this. But then the library staff came, and were rude as well. They told me and my child to leave despite us not doing anything. And both myself and my child, were polite. The security also weren't helpful, as they weren't paying good attention to what was happening. Due to this disrespect at me and my child, by the library staff, I definetaly feel like I am not coming back.

My two year old Granddaughter and I love using the library, there is a wonderful selection of books for her to choose and we enjoy spending time reading and sharing books together whilst we are there.